Parvovirus in dogs and puppies - Overview - PDSA
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Parvovirus in dogs and puppies
Overview
Parvovirus (parvo) is a nasty virus that attacks the lining of the
intestines in puppies and dogs. It causes severe diarrhoea,
vomiting and illness. Parvo is serious and if it’s not treated quickly
it can cause death.
Parvovirus attacks the lining of the guts. It causes severe pain, bloody
diarrhoea and vomiting.
Puppies are particularly susceptible but it can affect
unvaccinated dogs of any age. Thankfully regular vaccination
protects against parvo.
Parvo is extremely contagious between dogs but humans can’t
catch it.
Parvo is still fairly common in the UK, outbreaks are more
common in areas with lots of dogs. PDSA Pet Hospitals see
nearly 1,500 cases of parvo each year.
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Symptoms of parvo in dogs
Parvo is a serious disease that causes very sudden and serious
illness. Symptoms appear 3-7 days after catching it and tend to
include:
Vomiting
Foul smelling, watery, bloody diarrhoea
Less or no interest in food
Extreme tiredness
Your dog may feel hot (or sometimes cold) to touch
How did my dog get parvo?
Parvo spreads in infected poo, is very contagious, and can
survive in the environment for over a year. Your dog can catch it
anywhere they come into contact with the virus e.g. an infected
dog, infected poo or contaminated items such as collars, leads,
floors, food and water bowls, shoes, clothes or hands. Your dog
can even catch parvovirus from an area of ground where a
parvovirus-infected poo has been cleared away.
Dogs can spread parvo for weeks after they recover
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There is no specific drug to treat parvo, treatment in the hospital
can include:
Intensive nursing support
Dogs with parvo often need to stay in a veterinary hospital
for several days before they are well enough to go home.
Nursing will help them fight the virus. Your dog will usually
be kept in isolation to stop parvo spreading to other dogs.
A drip to give lifesaving fluids
Dogs with parvo get very dehydrated because they lose
so much fluid in their diarrhoea and vomit. A drip helps to
replace these fluids.
Antibiotics
Dogs with parvo have a damaged immune system and are
at risk of picking up other nasty bugs. Antibiotics are often
to protect from other infections.
Other medications
Anti-sickness and stomach ulcer medication may be given
to your dog.
Careful feeding
Liquid food given through a tube placed into your dog’s
tummy may be necessary if they aren’t eating.
Sadly, some dogs don’t survive parvo even with veterinary
treatment.
Vaccination and pet insurance are two of the most
important things to consider when getting a dog.
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© The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals 12/18 PetWise Pet Health Hub - brought to you thanks to
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If your dog improves enough to return home, they will need
careful nursing to make sure they keep getting better.
Below are some tips on how to care for your dog while they
recover from parvo:
Ensure they are drinking little and often to prevent them
becoming dehydrated.
Feed them small, bland meals throughout the day; your
vet will advise which food is best.
Make sure they get lots of rest; walks won’t be necessary
until they are feeling much better.
Make sure they have access to your garden or
somewhere else they can go to the toilet – they may need
to go more regularly than usual.
Keep them away from other dogs and public spaces – it’s
very important to help stop the spread of parvovirus. Your
dog can be infectious for a few weeks after recovery.
Survival rate
The majority of dogs survive parvo if they are treated quickly but
without treatment, the vast majority of dogs unfortunately die
from parvo.
Treatment from a vet is essential because dogs with parvo find it
almost impossible to get better on their own.
Sadly, because it’s such a nasty disease, some dogs die from
parvo even if they have been treated very quickly. Puppies are
particularly at risk and can quickly deteriorate and die of
dehydration or secondary infections.
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© The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals 12/18 PetWise Pet Health Hub - brought to you thanks to
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Contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if
you notice any of the symptoms above, or if you are worried that
your dog may have parvo.
If your dog is well but has had contact with a dog with parvo you
will need to keep a very close eye on them developing any signs.
Contact your vet if you are worried.
When you visit the vets, keep your dog in the car or wait outside
to help prevent the spread of parvo to other unvaccinated dogs.
You know your dog best. If they don’t have the symptoms
listed above but you are still concerned it’s always best to
contact your vet.
How to prevent parvo in dogs and puppies
Buy or rehome a puppy responsibly
If you are getting a puppy, make sure you buy from a responsible
breeder or reputable rehoming centre. Ensure you see the
puppies with their mum, and that she has also been vaccinated.
Puppies should be healthy and bright, and not showing any signs
of diarrhoea.
Regular vaccination
Vaccination (jabs/shots) is the best way to prevent your dog from
getting parvo. Adult dogs need boosters regularly throughout
their life – speak to your vet for more information about
vaccinations.
Parvovirus sticks around
If you have lost a dog to parvo, remember that the virus can
survive in environment for up to a year. Any new dogs or puppies
coming into your home need to be fully vaccinated. Dogs that
have recovered from parvo can spread the virus for several
pdsa.org.uk
© The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals 12/18 PetWise Pet Health Hub - brought to you thanks to
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where lots of dogs go, like local parks.
Your vet can test to see if your dog is still carrying the virus.
Taking puppies out before vaccines
“When can we go out for our first walk?” – This is a very common
question for a vet to be asked about a new puppy.
Before your puppy has had their vaccinations (jabs) we advise:
Don’t put them on the floor or walk them in public spaces,
i.e. parks and streets. Carrying them is fine.
Keep them away from unvaccinated dogs (vaccinated
dogs and other healthy puppies are a small risk but are
generally considered to be quite safe).
Toilet train them in the garden – there is a very small risk
of catching diseases in your garden but it is generally
accepted to be fairly safe.
Socialise your puppy to help them become friendly and
outgoing.
You can take your puppy out for a walk and to meet other dogs
1-2 weeks after they have had all of their vaccinations (jabs).
Speak to your vet for more information.
Published: July 2019
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